The Energy Body

According to yogic thought the energy body exists between the physical and mental bodies, and the 7 chakras are the primary energy centers of the subtle energy body. In the Chinese traditions of acupuncture, tai chi and qi kung the meridians are said to be a major component of the energy body as they regulate the flow of qi energy throughout the body.

Awareness of the chakras and meridians is important for mind-body unity and is an essential part of alternative medicine and chakra healing.

Subtle Energy, Qi and Prana

In both yogic and Chinese medical thought subtle energy is a vital aspect of the connection between the mind and body. Both yogic and Chinese traditions include moving meditations like hatha yoga, qi kung and tai chi which all function to bring the mind and body into a state of conscious unity. When the mind and body are brought into balance with these types of practices, the mind is better able to experience the energy body, and the way that the qi connects the mind with the body. Through the cultivation of subtle energy practices like yoga one may achieve better health and more calmness and clarity of mind.

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Subtle energy practices may be done in either an active of passive way, and both have value depending on one's needs. In the passive methods, alternative therapies are employed as one receives treatment from someone trained in subtle energy work. This includes treatments like acupuncture, reiki, hands on healing, sound and color therapy.

In the active forms of working with the subtle energy, one is doing some form of meditation that is focused on the qi or prana. These meditations include qi kung, tai chi, kundalini yoga, kriya yoga, pranayama, breathing techniques, visualizations, and chanting mantras. When breath awareness is cultivated with specific body movements, like those found in yoga and qi kung, a subtle but profound integration of mind-body awareness begins to develop that has the potential for healing. Since these practices are often used in a healing context they are often very good for physical ailments.

Subtle Energy in the West

Though Western science often negates the existence of subtle energy, it is helpful to think of the qi as the electrical currents that exist throughout the body. For instance, all the cells of the body communicate and regulate their activities through electrical shifts and gradients. When you decide to move your hand a whole series of electrical currents move through the nerve cells and muscles. Similarly, when you focus on your breath with specific breathing techniques, a whole series of neurological electrical changes begin to occur that have the benefit of calming and vitalizing the mind.When the mind is brought to a state of concentration and calmness healing benefits can occur on many levels.